fetal distress

[/ˈfiːtəl dɪˈstres/]
noun
sofrimento fetal
1. A condition during pregnancy or labor in which the fetus shows signs of inadequate oxygenation or metabolic compromise, indicated by abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, meconium passage, or other clinical signs.
The obstetrician detected fetal distress through continuous monitoring and decided to perform an emergency cesarean section.
A obstetriz detectou sofrimento fetal através do monitoramento contínuo e decidiu realizar uma cesariana de emergência.
2. A medical emergency occurring when the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygen during pregnancy or labor.
Signs of fetal distress include a sudden drop in heart rate and the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid.
Os sinais de sofrimento fetal incluem queda súbita da frequência cardíaca e presença de mecônio no líquido amniótico.
Fetal distress is a critical medical term used universally in obstetrics across Brazil, Portugal, and English-speaking countries. It represents a standardized medical concept with significant clinical implications. In Brazilian hospitals, detection of fetal distress typically triggers emergency protocols and may necessitate immediate delivery to protect maternal and fetal health. The term has become somewhat controversial in recent years, with some medical organizations preferring 'non-reassuring fetal status' as it is less alarmist and more accurately reflects the clinical situation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fetal hypoxiaintrauterine hypoxiafetal compromisenon-reassuring fetal status
Antonyms / Antônimos
fetal well-beingreassuring fetal status

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sofrimento fetal
standard medical term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
sofrimento fetal agudo
often used to specify acute distress in medical contexts
Rio de Janeiro
sofrimento fetal
same as general Brazilian usage
Portugal
sofrimento fetal
identical terminology used in Portuguese obstetrics

Related Words

fetal heart ratemeconiumcesarean sectionamniocentesisobstetricsperinatalhypoxia

Related Idioms & Phrases

signs of fetal distress
acute fetal distress
chronic fetal distress
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